Meet Katie (Kiara Cocky) Jackson | Reiki Practitioner & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie (Kiara Cocky) Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie (Kiara Cocky), how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m so grateful to be from Long Beach, California. My family and my city have had such a major impact on the woman I am, and the work that I do today. As a large artist community filled with talented healers, musicians, mural artists and painters, dancers and small businesses, I always felt welcomed and encouraged to expand on my interests, and it was never hard to find ways to dive deep into my passions. Right out of high school I was working as a painter doing commissions for small businesses and displaying my work at regular art events, and opportunities continued to open up for my as I and my work evolved. Being surrounded by such talented artistry and such powerful community-based organizations inspired me to continue to pave the way for those in my field as I expanded on my craft- so when I began my practice as a wellness practitioner, my focus started with creating events for people in my community to have places to share in doing the hard inner-work. When I began to dive deeper into my studies in sexuality and relationships, I immediately felt called to share what I was learning on my online platforms. As I continue bridging sexual wellness and relationship healing, I continue to express my passion for healing practices in bold, creative ways because that’s what Long Beach has always taught me to do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m proud of the relationship my art has with somatic healing. Most (if not all) of what I create and organize encourages a deeper understanding and integration with physical sensation. There is so much stimulation given to us today that separates us from a relationship with our physical selves- to the point that we lose our ability to communicate our feelings, or even have access to emotional regulation. My work aims to establish a more visceral bond with our bodies, our feelings, and our senses, and then to appreciate that. While we’re human, let’s be human, you know?

It wasn’t an easy journey, learning how to take care of myself and regulate my thoughts and feelings. I think a lot of people can understand what it’s like to feel out of control. Growing up I always felt out of place and out of sorts. It felt like everything I did, said and felt was wrong. I had to unlearn that myself. No one could give me self-love and self-acceptance. I really just started to get sick and tired of being sick and tired. To be honest, it was just illogical to think that I was inherently wrong! And the more I wanted to get to know how to treat myself with care, the more tools and communities I attracted that helped me get to where I am now with my relationship with self. I forgave myself for being human. Now I find power in being exactly what I am in each moment, and I can’t help but find myself in positions to be a catalyst of that curiosity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s talk about Long Beach! I’m always trying to get people out to my city, I’m in love with this place so much. One of my favorite things about where I come from is that you really have to be in the community to know what’s going on in the city. If you hide from the interaction it can be a little difficult to really find those places, people and events that resonate. Just by attending one of our free outdoor yoga classes, or getting lunch at one of our awesome local restaurants, or taking a walk on the beach, you can find so many more things to explore here.

There are a couple new things I’ve been finding since being back in Cali that I would definitely recommend to anyone who’s vibing with my story or my work:

1. The Compound LBC – a multifunctional art gallery, local brunch spot and wellness center that just opened on the Eastside not too long ago. Great art, great space to just hang, and great food.
2. Yogalution Movement’s new studio on Redondo – organized by the same group who created our free daily outdoor yoga class. They’re a powerful group of practitioners and the classes are donation-based!
3. The Vine – a classic little bar, patio & local music venue that always has Long Beach bands playing live. I used to try to sneak in all the time when I was 18 and often got kicked out, but it was worth it to kick it with all the dope Long Beach musicians for a minute!
4. The Cray Project burlesque performances – I just heard about this Long Beach local burlesque group and can’t wait to check out one of their shows!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
SHOUTOUT to:

Justine, Creator and Breathwork Instructor of Breath of Intention – https://www.instagram.com/breathofintention/
Misty Powell, Yoga Instructor of Wholistic Healing Arts – https://www.instagram.com/wholistichealingarts/
Compound LBC – https://www.instagram.com/compoundlbc/
Empress Wu, Dominatrix & Sexuality Activist – https://www.empresswu.net/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kiaraiscocky

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kiaracocky

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kiaracocky

Image Credits
First photo by Justified Photography.